Paaaaaaaaasadena... and a few other places.

[kayshapero]

The Pasadena Folk Music Society, along with the Pasadena Public Library, presents a very different kind of show in 8 days, Saturday, March 23 at 11:00 AM at the Pasadena Central Library and the program is free! Cambalache is a unique Los Angeles-based group that you just don't get many opportunities to hear. We learned of them at last year's FolkRoots Festival (this year's festival is coming up on April 13!) and we felt that it was time that we present some music from south of the border. The group is led by Cesar Castro (vocals and requinto), who grew up in Veracruz, Mexico, and became fascinated with son jarocho music, the mix of African, Spanish, and the indigenous culture of the Caribbean. You may not be all that familiar with son jarocho music, but this show is a perfect opportunity to find out about it. Cesar is joined by his wife, Xiochi Flores (vocals, jarana), who does a bit of dancing, Chuy Sandoval (jarana, electric guitar), and Juan Perez (electric upright bass). The music is joyous and fun, mostly traditional, with a few originals. Get a taste of their music from a performance of La Iguana at the Ford Theater, with the common call and response heard in son jarocho. Get a look at Xiochi's dancing from this show up in San Francisco. She'll probably have the kids and some of the adults up and dancing a bit. They sing in Spanish, but tell you about the music in English.

This will be a family show, perfect for kids and adults. Cesar is a luthier, and he'll likely talk about the instruments a bit, and you will also learn about the music. We are able to make this a free show with a generous gift from the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival folks. In their spirit of encouraging musicianship for all ages, we wanted to especially appeal to the youth, and we hope to have a good representation of parents with children, but we're confident that there will be room for people of all ages. Tell your friends! Bring some kids! This show will give you a strong appreciation for the music and the rich heritage of Mexico.
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